Boy's Lacrosse Rules:
Age Definition:
As stated in the Bylaws of the U.S. Lacrosse Youth Council (USLYC) eligibility for participation in boys U-15 events sanctioned by U.S. Lacrosse and its Youth Council will be based on the following criteria:
As stated in the Bylaws of the U.S. Lacrosse Youth Council (USLYC) eligibility for participation in boys U-15 events sanctioned by U.S. Lacrosse and its Youth Council will be based on the following criteria:
Youth players will be boys age 15 years and under and
must further qualify as follows in order to participate in USLYC sanctioned
youth lacrosse activities:
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player has not attained 15 years of age as of December 31 in the year preceding a USL Youth Council sanctioned event; and
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the player has not participated in any high-school program as a member of a high-school freshmen, junior varsity, or varsity team.
Leagues may be organized by age or grades. Physical maturity should be
considered when grouping players. If your program has enough players, the age/ grade groups
should play separately. The following is an example, with ages determined as of December 31 in
the year proceeding the USL Youth Council sanctioned event:
Senior Division:
Under 15/ 8th grade. May have competitive divisions grouped by ability.
Under 15/ 8th grade. May have competitive divisions grouped by ability.
Junior Division:
Under 13/ 6th and 7th grade. May have competitive divisions grouped by ability. Note: Players 12 years old or 6th grade may have difficulty playing with 14 year old or 8th grade boys.
Under 13/ 6th and 7th grade. May have competitive divisions grouped by ability. Note: Players 12 years old or 6th grade may have difficulty playing with 14 year old or 8th grade boys.
Lightning Division:
Under 11/ 4th and 5th grade. Non-competitive. Ages and grades may play together. Multiple teams within a program should be balanced.
Under 11/ 4th and 5th grade. Non-competitive. Ages and grades may play together. Multiple teams within a program should be balanced.
Bantam Division:
Under 9/ 2nd and 3rd grade. Non-competitive. Ages and grades may play together. Multiple teams within a program should be balanced.
Under 9/ 2nd and 3rd grade. Non-competitive. Ages and grades may play together. Multiple teams within a program should be balanced.
Rule 1 - Game Personnel
Number of Players-
10 players per side on the field, however games can be played with as few as 7 per side on the field if coaches agree. All USLYC sponsored events will be played with the regulation 10 players per side.
NCAA Men's Lacrosse
Rule 1, Section 1 - The Game
Rule 2, Section 1 - Number, Designation of PlayersTen players shall constitute a full team.
Rule 2 - Field & Equipment
Field-
SECTION 1. Play on regulation size field is preferred, however the coaches and officials can agree to play on any size field available. USLYC sponsored events will be paled on regulation size fields for all groups.
NCAA Men's Lacrosse
Rule 1, Section 2 - Playing FieldThe lacrosse playing field shall be rectangular,110 yards long and 60 yards wide.
Equipment-
SECTION 2. Equipment will conform to NCAA crosse dimensions and equipment requirements, including NOCSAE- approved helmets, with the following exceptions: Arm pads are required at all divisions for each player and are optional for the goalie.
NCAA Men's Lacrosse
Rule 1, Section 17 - The Ball
Rule 1, Section 18 - Crosse- Dimensions
Rule 1, Section 19 - Crosse Construction
Rule 1, Section 20 - Crosse Prohibitions
Rule 1, Section 21 - Helmet, Face mask and Mouthpiece
Rule 1, Section 22 - Personal EquipmentThe length of the crosse may be 37 to 40 inches for offensive players in the Lightning and Bantam Divisions and defensive players in such divisions may use a stick with a length of 37 to 72 inches.
NCAA Men's Lacrosse
Rule 1, Section 18 - Crosse - DimensionsThe Crosse shall be an overall fixed length of either 40 to 42 inches (Short crosse) or 52 to 72 inches (long crosse), except for the goalkeeper's crosse, which may be a length of 72 inches or less.
Rib pads are strongly recommended!
NCAA Men's Lacrosse
Rule 2, Section 22 - Personal Equipment
All players are required to wear protective gloves, arm pads, shoulder pads, shoes, and jerseys. Responsibilities of the home team
SECTION 3. a. Game balls and adequate number of balls must be maintained at the end lines behind the goals during regulation play.
b. Ball boys (may be waived with consent of the coaches).
NCAA Men's Lacrosse
Rule 2, Section 5 - Home Coach's Responsibility
Rule 2, Section 12 - Timekeeper
Rule 2, Section 13 - Scorer
Home teams are responsible for contrasting jersey colors and will wear pennies if needed.
NCAA Men's Lacrosse
Rule 1, Section 22 - Personal equipment
R. 20 The home team wears white or light-colored jerseys.
NCAA Men's Lacrosse
Rule 2, Section 22 - Personal EquipmentAll players are required to wear protective gloves, arm pads, shoulder pads, shoes, and jerseys. Responsibilities of the home team
SECTION 3. a. Game balls and adequate number of balls must be maintained at the end lines behind the goals during regulation play.
b. Ball boys (may be waived with consent of the coaches).
NCAA Men's Lacrosse
Rule 2, Section 5 - Home Coach's ResponsibilityRule 2, Section 12 - TimekeeperRule 2, Section 13 - ScorerHome teams are responsible for contrasting jersey colors and will wear pennies if needed.
NCAA Men's Lacrosse
Rule 1, Section 22 - Personal equipmentR. 20 The home team wears white or light-colored jerseys.
Rule 3 - Time Factors and Scoring
Senior & Junior Division- four quarters, 10 minute stop clock, and sudden victory 4 minute overtime periods will be utilized.Lightning and Bantam Divisions- four quarters, 12 minute running clock, and one overtime running clock period of 15 minutes, no sudden victory.
Overtime- in the event of a tie, two (2) four (4) minute (sudden victory) overtime periods will be played. If, after two (2) overtime periods the score is tie, additional sudden victory overtime periods may be played until a winner is determined; provided time permits and coaches and officials are in agreement.
Timeouts- two (2) timeouts are permitted per half.
NCAA Men's Lacrosse
Rule 3, Section 2 - Variations in playing time
Rule 3, Section 5 - Sudden-victory overtime
Rule 4, Section 28 - Team timeouts
Rule 4 - Play of the Game
The game is to be played with emphasis on the proper development of stick, team, and sportsmanship skills.All divisions will follow NCAA rules with the following exception:
No
10-second count.NCAA Men's Lacrosse
Rule 4, Section 14 - Advancing the ball beyond the defensive-area line
Rule 4, Section 15 - Advancing the ball into the attack areaYouth Division: Time serving penalties are enforced and man up situations are permitted in all divisions except the Bantam Division, where there are no time-serving penalties; instead the player must be substituted and the ball awarded to the other team at the point of the infraction.
NCAA Men's Lacrosse
Rule 7, Sections 1, 2, & 3Body checking is permitted in Senior & Junior Divisions, however, no take-out checks are permitted by any player.
Definition-Take-out Checks:
Checks in which the player lowers his head or shoulder with the force and intent to take out
(*put on the ground) the other player.
Players may make contact in an upright position within five yards of the ball. No body checking of any kind is permitted in the Lightning & Bantam division, which includes no man/ball, clear the type body pushing. If the ball is not moving the referee will start play following the alternating position session rule.
NCAA Men's Lacrosse
Rule 5, Section 4/a-f - Illegal body check NOTE: Spearing
Rule 5, Section 4/a - Body checking within 5 yards of a loose ball
In any game and at any point during a game when there is a four-point lead, the team that is behind will be given the ball at the midfield line in lieu of a face-off as long as the four-point lead is maintained, unless waived by the coach of the trailing team.
NCAA Men's Lacrosse
Rule 4, Section 3 - Facing off
Players may make contact in an upright position within five yards of the ball. No body checking of any kind is permitted in the Lightning & Bantam division, which includes no man/ball, clear the type body pushing. If the ball is not moving the referee will start play following the alternating position session rule.
NCAA Men's Lacrosse
Rule 5, Section 4/a-f - Illegal body check NOTE: Spearing
Rule 5, Section 4/a - Body checking within 5 yards of a loose ballIn any game and at any point during a game when there is a four-point lead, the team that is behind will be given the ball at the midfield line in lieu of a face-off as long as the four-point lead is maintained, unless waived by the coach of the trailing team.
NCAA Men's Lacrosse
Rule 4, Section 3 - Facing off
Rule 5 - Personal and Expulsion Fouls
Personal Foul/Slashing- For Lightning and Bantam Divisions.
Any poke check not making contact with the gloved hand while holding the
stick itself will be considered a slash. Also, any one-handed check will
be considered a slash for the Bantam Division.
NCAA Men's Lacrosse
Rule 5, Section 7 - Slashing
Rule 5, Section 7 - A.R. 16 - Wraparound check
Personal fouls are to be taken seriously. In addition to the NCAA rules, any player or coach who uses derogatory language (starting with damn) on the field or bench, whether addressing a player, coach or referee may receive: first offense, 1 minute non-releasable penalty; a 2 minute non-releasable penalty for the second offense; and expulsion from the game for the third offense.
NCAA Men's Lacrosse
Rule 5, Section 2 - Penalty
Rule 5, Section 10/b - Unsportsmanlike conduct
Players illegally playing down to any division will be expelled for the season and the team will be eliminated from any playoffs and ineligible for any titles or awards.
NCAA Men's Lacrosse
Rule 5, Section 11 - Fouling out
NCAA Men's Lacrosse
Rule 5, Section 7 - Slashing
Rule 5, Section 7 - A.R. 16 - Wraparound checkPersonal fouls are to be taken seriously. In addition to the NCAA rules, any player or coach who uses derogatory language (starting with damn) on the field or bench, whether addressing a player, coach or referee may receive: first offense, 1 minute non-releasable penalty; a 2 minute non-releasable penalty for the second offense; and expulsion from the game for the third offense.
NCAA Men's Lacrosse
Rule 5, Section 2 - Penalty
Rule 5, Section 10/b - Unsportsmanlike conductPlayers illegally playing down to any division will be expelled for the season and the team will be eliminated from any playoffs and ineligible for any titles or awards.
NCAA Men's Lacrosse
Rule 5, Section 11 - Fouling out
Rule 6 - Technical Fouls
Offensive stalling shall be enforced, however, this rule will be waived for Lightning and Bantam Divisions.NCAA Men's Lacrosse
Rule 6, Section 11/a - Offensive stallingSenior and Junior Division: the winning team is to keep the ball in the box during the last two minutes of the game. Lightning and Bantam Divisions are excused from this rule.
NCAA Men's Lacrosse
Rule 3, Section 4 - Final two minutes of regulation play
Rule 6, Section 11/a - (3)-Last two minutes
Rule 7 - Penalty Enforcement
No additional supplement, see Rule 4.Rule 8 - Rules Changes and Modification
NCAA rules and the supplemental rules will be reviewed annually by USLYC Rules Committee, which may adopt any of the changes or modifications deemed necessary to ensure the safe play at all levels.Any comments or requests for rule changes or modifications by coaches or officials participating in USLYC Rules Committee must be submitted for consideration to the USLYC Rule Committee in writing by November 1 of each year. Any changes or modifications that are approved by the USLYC Rule Committee will be effective the following February. No changes or modifications will be made prior to November 1 or accepted after February 1.
Send all comments or requests for rules changes or modifications in writing to:
U.S. Lacrosse
c/o U.S. Lacrosse Youth Council
113 W. University Parkway
Baltimore, Maryland 21210
www.lacrosse.org
U.S. Lacrosse
c/o U.S. Lacrosse Youth Council
113 W. University Parkway
Baltimore, Maryland 21210
www.lacrosse.org
All questions about the U.S. Lacrosse Rules for Boys Lacrosse should
contact U.S. Lacrosse Youth Council Rules Committee Co-Chairs Reed Schroeder
schroedergrp@unidial.com
or Charles Simpson charles_simpson@newvistascorp.com.
Men's Lacrosse Rules:
Men's lacrosse is a contact game played by ten players: a goalkeeper, three defensemen, three
midfielders and three attackmen. The object of the game is to shoot the ball into the
opponent's goal. The team scoring the most goals wins.
Each team must keep at least four players, including the goalie, in its defensive half of the field and three in its offensive half Three players (midfielders) may roam the entire field.
Generally, high school games are 48 minutes long, with 12-minute quarters. Each team is given a two-minute break between the first and second quarters, and the third and fourth quarters. Halftime is ten minutes long.
Teams change sides between periods. Each team is permitted two timeouts each half. The team winning the coin toss chooses the end of the field it wants to defend first.
Men's lacrosse begins with a face-off. The ball is placed between the sticks of two squatting players at the center of the field. The official blows the whistle to begin play. Each face-off player tries to control the ball. The players in the wing areas can release; the other players must wait until one player has gained possession of the ball or the ball has crossed the goal line.
Center face-offs are also used after a goal and at the start of each quarter.
Players may run with the ball in the crosse, pass and catch the ball. Only the goalkeeper may touch the ball with his hands.
A player may gain possession of the ball by dislodging it from an opponent's crosse with a stick check, which includes the controlled poking and slapping of the stick and gloved hands of the player in possession of the ball.
Body checking is permitted if the opponent has the ball. However, all contact must occur from the front or side, above the waist and below the shoulders. An opponent's crosse may also be stick checked if it is within five yards of a loose ball or ball in the air.
If the ball or a player in possession of the ball goes out of bounds, the other team is awarded possession of the ball. If the ball goes out of bounds after an unsuccessful shot on goal, the player nearest to the ball when and where it goes out of bounds is awarded possession.
An attacking player cannot enter the crease around the goal, but may reach in with his stick to scoop a loose ball.
Each team must keep at least four players, including the goalie, in its defensive half of the field and three in its offensive half Three players (midfielders) may roam the entire field.
Generally, high school games are 48 minutes long, with 12-minute quarters. Each team is given a two-minute break between the first and second quarters, and the third and fourth quarters. Halftime is ten minutes long.
Teams change sides between periods. Each team is permitted two timeouts each half. The team winning the coin toss chooses the end of the field it wants to defend first.
Men's lacrosse begins with a face-off. The ball is placed between the sticks of two squatting players at the center of the field. The official blows the whistle to begin play. Each face-off player tries to control the ball. The players in the wing areas can release; the other players must wait until one player has gained possession of the ball or the ball has crossed the goal line.
Center face-offs are also used after a goal and at the start of each quarter.
Players may run with the ball in the crosse, pass and catch the ball. Only the goalkeeper may touch the ball with his hands.
A player may gain possession of the ball by dislodging it from an opponent's crosse with a stick check, which includes the controlled poking and slapping of the stick and gloved hands of the player in possession of the ball.
Body checking is permitted if the opponent has the ball. However, all contact must occur from the front or side, above the waist and below the shoulders. An opponent's crosse may also be stick checked if it is within five yards of a loose ball or ball in the air.
If the ball or a player in possession of the ball goes out of bounds, the other team is awarded possession of the ball. If the ball goes out of bounds after an unsuccessful shot on goal, the player nearest to the ball when and where it goes out of bounds is awarded possession.
An attacking player cannot enter the crease around the goal, but may reach in with his stick to scoop a loose ball.
Men's Lacrosse Personal & Technical Fouls:
There are personal fouls and technical fouls in boy's lacrosse.
The penalty for a personal foul results in a one to three minute suspension from play and
possession to the team that was fouled. Players with five personal fouls are ejected from the
game. The penalty for a technical foul is a thirty-second suspension if a team is in possession
of the ball when the foul is committed, or possession of the ball to the team that was fouled
if there was no possession when the foul was committed.
NOTE: The U.S. Lacrosse Youth Council has developed modified rules for ages 15 and under play. To get a copy of these rules contact U.S. Lacrosse at 410.235.6882.
NOTE: The U.S. Lacrosse Youth Council has developed modified rules for ages 15 and under play. To get a copy of these rules contact U.S. Lacrosse at 410.235.6882.
Personal Fouls
Slashing: Occurs when a player's stick viciously contacts an opponent in any area other than the stick or gloved hand on the stick.
Tripping: Occurs when a player obstructs his opponent at or below the waist with the crosse, hands, arms, feet or legs.
Cross Checking: Occurs when a player uses the handle of his crosse between his hands to make contact with an opponent.
Unsportsman like Conduct: Occurs when any player or coach commits an act which is considered unsportsman like by an official, including taunting, arguing, or obscene language or gestures.
Unnecessary Roughness: Occurs when a player strikes an opponent with his stick or body using excessive or violent force.
Illegal Crosse: Occurs when a player uses a crosse that does not conform to required specifications. A crosse may be found illegal if the pocket is too deep or if any other part of the crosse was altered to gain an advantage.
Illegal Body Checking: Occurs when any of the following actions takes place:
Slashing: Occurs when a player's stick viciously contacts an opponent in any area other than the stick or gloved hand on the stick.
Tripping: Occurs when a player obstructs his opponent at or below the waist with the crosse, hands, arms, feet or legs.
Cross Checking: Occurs when a player uses the handle of his crosse between his hands to make contact with an opponent.
Unsportsman like Conduct: Occurs when any player or coach commits an act which is considered unsportsman like by an official, including taunting, arguing, or obscene language or gestures.
Unnecessary Roughness: Occurs when a player strikes an opponent with his stick or body using excessive or violent force.
Illegal Crosse: Occurs when a player uses a crosse that does not conform to required specifications. A crosse may be found illegal if the pocket is too deep or if any other part of the crosse was altered to gain an advantage.
Illegal Body Checking: Occurs when any of the following actions takes place:
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Body checking an opponent who is not in possession of the ball or within five yards of a loose ball.
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Avoidable body check of an opponent after he has passed or shot the ball.
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Body checking an opponent from the rear or at or below the waist.
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Body checking an opponent above the shoulders. A body check must be below the shoulders and above the waist, and both hands of the player applying the body check must remain in contact with his crosse.
Technical Fouls
Holding: Occurs when a player impedes the movement of an opponent or an opponent's crosse.
Interference: Occurs when a player interferes in any manner with the free movement of an opponent, except when that opponent has possession of the ball, the ball is in flight and within five yards of the player, or both players are within five yards of a loose ball.
Offsides: Occurs when a team does not have at least four players on its defensive side of the midfield line or at least three players on its offensive side of the midfield line.
Pushing: Occurs when a player thrusts or shoves a player from behind.
Screening: Occurs when an offensive player moves into and makes contact with a defensive player with the purpose of blocking him from the man he is defending.
Stalling: Occurs when a team intentionally holds the ball, without conducting normal offensive play, with the intent of running time off the clock.
Warding Off: Occurs when a player in possession of the ball uses his free hand or arm to hold, push or control the direction of an opponent's stick check.
Holding: Occurs when a player impedes the movement of an opponent or an opponent's crosse.
Interference: Occurs when a player interferes in any manner with the free movement of an opponent, except when that opponent has possession of the ball, the ball is in flight and within five yards of the player, or both players are within five yards of a loose ball.
Offsides: Occurs when a team does not have at least four players on its defensive side of the midfield line or at least three players on its offensive side of the midfield line.
Pushing: Occurs when a player thrusts or shoves a player from behind.
Screening: Occurs when an offensive player moves into and makes contact with a defensive player with the purpose of blocking him from the man he is defending.
Stalling: Occurs when a team intentionally holds the ball, without conducting normal offensive play, with the intent of running time off the clock.
Warding Off: Occurs when a player in possession of the ball uses his free hand or arm to hold, push or control the direction of an opponent's stick check.
Hand Signals
Guidance - No Checking/Modified Checking
U.S. Lacrosse is attempting to send a consistent message regarding checking to youth players, whether they are using the regular women's lacrosse rules or following the Y.E.S. Lacrosse! Program. Players below the seventh grade level should not be stick checking. It is the hope of the Rules Committee that mandating no checking will allow the beginning player to work on the basic fundamentals of the game - passing, catching, footwork, proper positioning, and marking - before they are introduced to the more advanced skill of stick checking.
Once players have mastered the basic fundamentals, coaches will want to introduce stick checking. Players on 7th and 8th grade teams will be allowed to use modified checking as an intermediate step towards full checking. Modified checking is defined as checking the stick if it is below shoulder level, using a downward motion away from the other player's body. Use of modified checking will allow the older youth player to learn proper checking skills, while at the same time encouraging good cradling and stick handling skills for the attack player. Umpires and coaches should strictly enforce this rule, never allowing checks near a player's head or face.
It should be noted that stick-to-stick contact is not necessarily a violation of the no checking/modified-checking rule. A defender who is holding her stick in good defensive position may force the attack player to cradle into her stick causing contact. This is not considered a stick check, as the attack player initiated the contact, not the defender. A similar situation would exist when the defender puts her stick up in an attempt to block or intercept a pass and the attacker makes contact while in the act of passing or catching the ball.
Please note that it will be left to individual school districts, counties, and leagues to decide what they consider a seventh grade team and an eighth grade team.
U.S. Lacrosse is attempting to send a consistent message regarding checking to youth players, whether they are using the regular women's lacrosse rules or following the Y.E.S. Lacrosse! Program. Players below the seventh grade level should not be stick checking. It is the hope of the Rules Committee that mandating no checking will allow the beginning player to work on the basic fundamentals of the game - passing, catching, footwork, proper positioning, and marking - before they are introduced to the more advanced skill of stick checking.
Once players have mastered the basic fundamentals, coaches will want to introduce stick checking. Players on 7th and 8th grade teams will be allowed to use modified checking as an intermediate step towards full checking. Modified checking is defined as checking the stick if it is below shoulder level, using a downward motion away from the other player's body. Use of modified checking will allow the older youth player to learn proper checking skills, while at the same time encouraging good cradling and stick handling skills for the attack player. Umpires and coaches should strictly enforce this rule, never allowing checks near a player's head or face.
It should be noted that stick-to-stick contact is not necessarily a violation of the no checking/modified-checking rule. A defender who is holding her stick in good defensive position may force the attack player to cradle into her stick causing contact. This is not considered a stick check, as the attack player initiated the contact, not the defender. A similar situation would exist when the defender puts her stick up in an attempt to block or intercept a pass and the attacker makes contact while in the act of passing or catching the ball.
Please note that it will be left to individual school districts, counties, and leagues to decide what they consider a seventh grade team and an eighth grade team.
Official Rules for Girls Youth Lacrosse
The purpose of the Official Girls Youth rules is to familiarize young players with the sport of women's lacrosse by introducing them to the terms, the field, the playing positions, the concept of teamwork and the skills required to play the game safely and fairly. These rules were written by the U.S. Lacrosse Women's Division and ratified by the U.S. Lacrosse Youth Council in an effort to standardize youth rules for girls throughout the United States. Youth leagues may decide on age level play that best suits their needs. The following are suggested as guidelines: 6-8 year olds (Under 9), 9-10 year olds (Under 11), 11-12 year olds (Under 13), 13-14 year olds (Under 15).
The girl youth rules are divided by levels (A, B, and C). Beginning teams/players would be expected to use Level B or C rules, which do not allow checking and do allow certain stick modifications to make throwing and catching easier. Players would then progress to Level A rules which allow modified checking and require the use of a regulation crosse and pocket.
Any tournament play sponsored or sanctioned by U.S. Lacrosse, such as the U.S. Lacrosse Youth Festival, will use the following age and rule levels: Under 13 - Level B rules; Under 15 - Level A rules. It is recommended that non-U.S. Lacrosse sponsored tournaments follow an age/rule level format and announce to participants prior to the tournament which level(s) will be used at their event to avoid any confusion.
It is strongly recommended that at least one qualified umpire be assigned to Level C games, and two qualified umpires be assigned to Level A and B games. EQUIPMENT Goals - regulation lacrosse goal cages; smaller (street hockey type) cages may be used for indoor play and for Level C playing outdoors.
Ball: may use a regulation ball, or a "soft" ball. It is highly recommended that new or beginner programs use the soft ball until players have developed their throwing and catching skills. If a soft ball is used, it should be approximately the same size as a regulation ball. A regulation ball may be used for indoor play, however, a "no bounce" ball is recommended.
Sticks: Level C may use a youth stick with mesh or traditional stringing or regulation women's crosse and may have a modified pocket. With a modified pocket, only half the ball may fall below the bottom of the sidewall. Level B must use a regulation women's crosse with either a regular or modified pocket. Level A must use a regulation women's crosse with regular pocket.
Protective equipment: mouthguards are mandatory at all levels. Eye guards/goggles are permitted, as are close fitting gloves, soft headgear; no hard helmets except the goalie. Goalie must wear helmet, throat protector, chest protector, goalie gloves. Some type of leg padding for the goalie is strongly recommended. All protective devices used should be close fitting, padded where necessary, and not be of excessive weight.
The purpose of the Official Girls Youth rules is to familiarize young players with the sport of women's lacrosse by introducing them to the terms, the field, the playing positions, the concept of teamwork and the skills required to play the game safely and fairly. These rules were written by the U.S. Lacrosse Women's Division and ratified by the U.S. Lacrosse Youth Council in an effort to standardize youth rules for girls throughout the United States. Youth leagues may decide on age level play that best suits their needs. The following are suggested as guidelines: 6-8 year olds (Under 9), 9-10 year olds (Under 11), 11-12 year olds (Under 13), 13-14 year olds (Under 15).
The girl youth rules are divided by levels (A, B, and C). Beginning teams/players would be expected to use Level B or C rules, which do not allow checking and do allow certain stick modifications to make throwing and catching easier. Players would then progress to Level A rules which allow modified checking and require the use of a regulation crosse and pocket.
Any tournament play sponsored or sanctioned by U.S. Lacrosse, such as the U.S. Lacrosse Youth Festival, will use the following age and rule levels: Under 13 - Level B rules; Under 15 - Level A rules. It is recommended that non-U.S. Lacrosse sponsored tournaments follow an age/rule level format and announce to participants prior to the tournament which level(s) will be used at their event to avoid any confusion.
It is strongly recommended that at least one qualified umpire be assigned to Level C games, and two qualified umpires be assigned to Level A and B games. EQUIPMENT Goals - regulation lacrosse goal cages; smaller (street hockey type) cages may be used for indoor play and for Level C playing outdoors.
Ball: may use a regulation ball, or a "soft" ball. It is highly recommended that new or beginner programs use the soft ball until players have developed their throwing and catching skills. If a soft ball is used, it should be approximately the same size as a regulation ball. A regulation ball may be used for indoor play, however, a "no bounce" ball is recommended.
Sticks: Level C may use a youth stick with mesh or traditional stringing or regulation women's crosse and may have a modified pocket. With a modified pocket, only half the ball may fall below the bottom of the sidewall. Level B must use a regulation women's crosse with either a regular or modified pocket. Level A must use a regulation women's crosse with regular pocket.
Protective equipment: mouthguards are mandatory at all levels. Eye guards/goggles are permitted, as are close fitting gloves, soft headgear; no hard helmets except the goalie. Goalie must wear helmet, throat protector, chest protector, goalie gloves. Some type of leg padding for the goalie is strongly recommended. All protective devices used should be close fitting, padded where necessary, and not be of excessive weight.
Playing Area
There are no measured boundaries. Official(s) decide on the boundaries. When playing indoors, play the rebound where possible.
Level A - desirable field length is 100 yds. between goal lines, 10 yds. behind each goal, and 70 yds. wide. Field should be marked according to U.S. Lacrosse Women's Rules including a restraining line. (See Rule 3, page 9)
Level B - desirable field length is 90 yds. between goal lines, 10 yds. behind each goal, and 50 yds. wide. Field should be marked according to U.S. Lacrosse Women's Rules including a restraining line. (See Rule 3, page 9).
Level C - desirable field length is 50 yds. Between goal lines, 10 yds. Behind each goal, and 25 yds. wide. Field markings should include two goal circles (radius 2m) with a goal line in each, two 8m arcs around each goal circle and a center line.
There are no measured boundaries. Official(s) decide on the boundaries. When playing indoors, play the rebound where possible.
Level A - desirable field length is 100 yds. between goal lines, 10 yds. behind each goal, and 70 yds. wide. Field should be marked according to U.S. Lacrosse Women's Rules including a restraining line. (See Rule 3, page 9)
Level B - desirable field length is 90 yds. between goal lines, 10 yds. behind each goal, and 50 yds. wide. Field should be marked according to U.S. Lacrosse Women's Rules including a restraining line. (See Rule 3, page 9).
Level C - desirable field length is 50 yds. Between goal lines, 10 yds. Behind each goal, and 25 yds. wide. Field markings should include two goal circles (radius 2m) with a goal line in each, two 8m arcs around each goal circle and a center line.
Start of the Game
The procedure for the start of the game/draw shall be the same as outlined in Rule 10 of the US Lacrosse Women's Rules with the following modification: for all levels, a free position will be taken at the center by the team with fewer goals if a four or more goal differential exists.
The procedure for the start of the game/draw shall be the same as outlined in Rule 10 of the US Lacrosse Women's Rules with the following modification: for all levels, a free position will be taken at the center by the team with fewer goals if a four or more goal differential exists.
Start/Stop Play
All play is started and stopped with the whistle. All players must stop and stand when the whistle blows (to stop play). All may move again when the next whistle blows.
All play is started and stopped with the whistle. All players must stop and stand when the whistle blows (to stop play). All may move again when the next whistle blows.
Scoring
A goal is scored when the ball passes completely over the goal line and into the goal cage. Scoring must be by an attacker's crosse, and not off the body of an attack player. A goal may be scored off the defender's body or crosse.
A goal is scored when the ball passes completely over the goal line and into the goal cage. Scoring must be by an attacker's crosse, and not off the body of an attack player. A goal may be scored off the defender's body or crosse.
Substitution
Substitution is unlimited and the substitution procedure should be the same as outlined in Rule 9 of the U.S. Lacrosse Women's Rules, i.e. substitute any time during play, after goals, and at halftime.
Substitution is unlimited and the substitution procedure should be the same as outlined in Rule 9 of the U.S. Lacrosse Women's Rules, i.e. substitute any time during play, after goals, and at halftime.
Duration of Play
Level A - 25-minutes running time per half (maximum)
Level B - 25-minutes running time per half (maximum)
Level C - 20-minutes running time per half (maximum)
Teams may choose to play four quarters, but total playing time should not exceed the maximum time for each level.
Level A - 25-minutes running time per half (maximum)
Level B - 25-minutes running time per half (maximum)
Level C - 20-minutes running time per half (maximum)
Teams may choose to play four quarters, but total playing time should not exceed the maximum time for each level.
Fouls
Fouls shall be the same as those outlined in Rule 18 of the U.S. Lacrosse Women's Rules with the following modifications:
Fouls shall be the same as those outlined in Rule 18 of the U.S. Lacrosse Women's Rules with the following modifications:
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No shooting on free positions (Level C).
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No checking (Level B and C).
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Modified checking only (see definitions) (Level A).
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No holding the ball for more than 5 seconds when closely guarded/marked (see definitions) and the defense is in position to legally check were checking allowed. (All levels).
Penalties For Fouls
The penalty for fouls is a free position with all players, including the offender, moving 4m away from the player with the ball. For specifics on major, minor, and goal circle fouls and carding, see Rule 19 (page 41) in the U.S. Lacrosse Women's Rules. A 5-second violation is considered a minor foul with the closest defender to the ball carrier being awarded the ball. The only modification for these youth rules is in Level C, where all free positions are indirect (i.e., the player with the ball may never shoot directly from the free position).
The penalty for fouls is a free position with all players, including the offender, moving 4m away from the player with the ball. For specifics on major, minor, and goal circle fouls and carding, see Rule 19 (page 41) in the U.S. Lacrosse Women's Rules. A 5-second violation is considered a minor foul with the closest defender to the ball carrier being awarded the ball. The only modification for these youth rules is in Level C, where all free positions are indirect (i.e., the player with the ball may never shoot directly from the free position).
Definition of Terms
Closely Guarded: player with the ball has an opponent within a sticks length.
Free Position: penalty awarded for a foul. Player who has been fouled gets the ball and all others must move 4m away.
Indirect Free Position: no shot on goal may be made until the player with the ball passes the ball to another player.
Modified Checking: checking the stick only if it is below shoulder level. The check must be in a downward direction and away from the body.
Pass: exchange of the ball through the air from one teammate's crosse to another.
Possession: a player has the ball in their crosse.
Position to Check: player has an opportunity to legally check the stick without fouling (the 5-second count starts when the umpire deems that the player with the ball could be checked legally if checking were permitted.)
Closely Guarded: player with the ball has an opponent within a sticks length.
Free Position: penalty awarded for a foul. Player who has been fouled gets the ball and all others must move 4m away.
Indirect Free Position: no shot on goal may be made until the player with the ball passes the ball to another player.
Modified Checking: checking the stick only if it is below shoulder level. The check must be in a downward direction and away from the body.
Pass: exchange of the ball through the air from one teammate's crosse to another.
Possession: a player has the ball in their crosse.
Position to Check: player has an opportunity to legally check the stick without fouling (the 5-second count starts when the umpire deems that the player with the ball could be checked legally if checking were permitted.)
Level A Specifics
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Eleven field players, one goal keeper.
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Field size: 100 yds. X 70 yds. is recommended.
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Regular field markings, including restraining line.
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Regular women's crosse, regulation pocket.
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Modified checking only.
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25-minute halves (max.), running time.
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May shoot from direct free positions.
Level B Specifics
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Field size: 90 yds. X 50 yds. is recommended.
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Regular field markings, including restraining line.
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Regular women's crosse, modified pocket allowed.
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No checking.
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25-minute halves (max.), running time.
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May shoot from direct free positions.
Level C Specifics
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Seven field players, use of a goal keeper is optional.
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Field size: 50 yds. x 25 yds. is recommended.
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8m arc, no 12m fan, no restraining line, center line (no circle).
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Youth sticks (mesh allowed) or regular women's crosse, modified pocket.
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No checking.
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20-minute halves (max.), running time.
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May not shoot from any free position.
Women's lacrosse is a non-contact game played by 12 players: a
goalkeeper, five attackers and six defenders. The object of the game is to shoot the ball into
the opponent's goal. The team scoring the most goals wins.
Women's lacrosse begins with a draw, which is taken by the center position. The ball is placed between two horizontally held crosses (sticks) at the center of the field. At the sound of the whistle, the ball is flung into the air as the crosses are pulled up and away. A draw is used to start each half and after each goal, and it takes place at the center of the field.
The collegiate game is 60 minutes long, each half being 30 minutes. The high school girl's game is 50 minutes long, each half being 25 minutes. In both collegiate and high school play, teams are allowed one timeout per half.
There are visual guidelines on the side of the field that are in place to provide a consistent indicator to the officials of what is considered the playing field. The minimum dimensions for a field is 120 yards by 70 yards. Additional markings on the field include a restraining line located 30 yards from each goal line, which creates an area where only a maximum of seven offensive players and eight defensive players (including the goalkeeper) are allowed; a 12-meter fan, which officials use to position players after fouls; and an arc in front of each goal, considered the critical scoring area, where defenders must be at least within a stick's-length of their attacker.
The boundaries are determined by the natural restrictions of the field. An area of 120 yards by 70 yards is desirable.
When a whistle blows, all players must stop in place. When a ball is ruled out of play, the player closest to the ball gets possession when play is resumed. Loss of possession may occur if a player deliberately runs or throws the ball out of play.
Rough checks, and contact to the body with the crosse or body, are not allowed.
Field players may pass, catch or run with the ball in their crosse. A player may gain possession of the ball by dislodging it from an opponent's crosse with a check. A check is a controlled tap with a crosse on an opponent's crosse in an attempt to knock the ball free. The player must be one step in front of her opponent in order to check. No player may reach across an opponent's body to check the handle of a crosse when she is even with or behind that opponent. A player may not protect the ball in her crosse by cradling so close to her body or face so as to make a legal, safe check impossible for the opponent.
All legal checks must be directed away from a seven-inch sphere or "bubble" around the head of the player. No player is allowed to touch the ball with her hands except the goalkeeper when she is within the goal circle. A change of possession may occur if a player gains a distinct advantage by playing the ball off her body.
Fouls are categorized as major or minor, and the penalty for fouls is a "free position." For major fouls, the offending player is placed four meters behind the player taking the free position. For a minor foul, the offending player is placed four meters off, in the direction from which she approached her opponent before committing the foul, and play is resumed. When a minor foul is committed in the critical scoring area, the player with the ball has an indirect free position, in which case the player must pass first.
A slow whistle occurs when the offense has entered the critical scoring area and the defense has committed a major foul. A flag is thrown but no whistle is sounded so that the offense has an opportunity to score a goal. A whistle is blown when a goal is scored or the scoring opportunity is over. An immediate whistle is blown when a major foul, obstruction or shooting space occurs, which jeopardizes the safety of a player.
Women's lacrosse begins with a draw, which is taken by the center position. The ball is placed between two horizontally held crosses (sticks) at the center of the field. At the sound of the whistle, the ball is flung into the air as the crosses are pulled up and away. A draw is used to start each half and after each goal, and it takes place at the center of the field.
The collegiate game is 60 minutes long, each half being 30 minutes. The high school girl's game is 50 minutes long, each half being 25 minutes. In both collegiate and high school play, teams are allowed one timeout per half.
There are visual guidelines on the side of the field that are in place to provide a consistent indicator to the officials of what is considered the playing field. The minimum dimensions for a field is 120 yards by 70 yards. Additional markings on the field include a restraining line located 30 yards from each goal line, which creates an area where only a maximum of seven offensive players and eight defensive players (including the goalkeeper) are allowed; a 12-meter fan, which officials use to position players after fouls; and an arc in front of each goal, considered the critical scoring area, where defenders must be at least within a stick's-length of their attacker.
The boundaries are determined by the natural restrictions of the field. An area of 120 yards by 70 yards is desirable.
When a whistle blows, all players must stop in place. When a ball is ruled out of play, the player closest to the ball gets possession when play is resumed. Loss of possession may occur if a player deliberately runs or throws the ball out of play.
Rough checks, and contact to the body with the crosse or body, are not allowed.
Field players may pass, catch or run with the ball in their crosse. A player may gain possession of the ball by dislodging it from an opponent's crosse with a check. A check is a controlled tap with a crosse on an opponent's crosse in an attempt to knock the ball free. The player must be one step in front of her opponent in order to check. No player may reach across an opponent's body to check the handle of a crosse when she is even with or behind that opponent. A player may not protect the ball in her crosse by cradling so close to her body or face so as to make a legal, safe check impossible for the opponent.
All legal checks must be directed away from a seven-inch sphere or "bubble" around the head of the player. No player is allowed to touch the ball with her hands except the goalkeeper when she is within the goal circle. A change of possession may occur if a player gains a distinct advantage by playing the ball off her body.
Fouls are categorized as major or minor, and the penalty for fouls is a "free position." For major fouls, the offending player is placed four meters behind the player taking the free position. For a minor foul, the offending player is placed four meters off, in the direction from which she approached her opponent before committing the foul, and play is resumed. When a minor foul is committed in the critical scoring area, the player with the ball has an indirect free position, in which case the player must pass first.
A slow whistle occurs when the offense has entered the critical scoring area and the defense has committed a major foul. A flag is thrown but no whistle is sounded so that the offense has an opportunity to score a goal. A whistle is blown when a goal is scored or the scoring opportunity is over. An immediate whistle is blown when a major foul, obstruction or shooting space occurs, which jeopardizes the safety of a player.
Major Fouls:
Blocking: Occurs when a defender who has moved into the path of an opponent with the ball without giving that player a chance to stop or change direction initiates contact.
Charging: Occurs when a player charges, barges, shoulders or backs into an opponent, or pushes with the hand or body.
Dangerous Shot: Occurs when a player propels the ball toward the goal without control, or in the direction of a field player or the goalkeeper.
Misconduct: Occurs when a player conducts herself in a rough, dangerous or unsportsmanlike manner, persistently causes infringement of the rules, or deliberately endangers the safety of opposing players.
Slashing: Occurs when a defender swings her crosse at an opponent's crosse or body with deliberate viciousness or recklessness, whether or not the opponent's crosse or body is struck.
Three Seconds: A defender may not stand within the eight meter arc, unless she is closely marking an opponent, for more than three seconds.
Obstruction of Free Space: Occurs when a defender is not closely marking her opponent and is in the free space to goal of the attack player with the ball. The attack player must have the opportunity and be looking to shoot.
Blocking: Occurs when a defender who has moved into the path of an opponent with the ball without giving that player a chance to stop or change direction initiates contact.
Charging: Occurs when a player charges, barges, shoulders or backs into an opponent, or pushes with the hand or body.
Dangerous Shot: Occurs when a player propels the ball toward the goal without control, or in the direction of a field player or the goalkeeper.
Misconduct: Occurs when a player conducts herself in a rough, dangerous or unsportsmanlike manner, persistently causes infringement of the rules, or deliberately endangers the safety of opposing players.
Slashing: Occurs when a defender swings her crosse at an opponent's crosse or body with deliberate viciousness or recklessness, whether or not the opponent's crosse or body is struck.
Three Seconds: A defender may not stand within the eight meter arc, unless she is closely marking an opponent, for more than three seconds.
Obstruction of Free Space: Occurs when a defender is not closely marking her opponent and is in the free space to goal of the attack player with the ball. The attack player must have the opportunity and be looking to shoot.
Minor Fouls:
Goal Circle Fouls: Occurs when any part of an offensive or defensive player's body or crosse, except that of the goalkeeper or deputy, enters the goal circle.
Warding Off: Occurs when a player guards a ground ball with her crosse or foot, removes one hand from the crosse and uses her free arm to ward off an opponent, or checks an opponent's empty crosse while she is trying to get possession of the ball.
Empty Cross Check: A player may not check an opponent's cross unless the ball is in the opponent's cross.
Body Ball: A ball that hits a field player's body to her distinct advantage.
All questions about the U.S. Lacrosse Rules for Girls Lacrosse should contact US Lacrosse Women's Division Rules Committee Chair Pat Dillon pdillon656@aol.com
Goal Circle Fouls: Occurs when any part of an offensive or defensive player's body or crosse, except that of the goalkeeper or deputy, enters the goal circle.
Warding Off: Occurs when a player guards a ground ball with her crosse or foot, removes one hand from the crosse and uses her free arm to ward off an opponent, or checks an opponent's empty crosse while she is trying to get possession of the ball.
Empty Cross Check: A player may not check an opponent's cross unless the ball is in the opponent's cross.
Body Ball: A ball that hits a field player's body to her distinct advantage.
All questions about the U.S. Lacrosse Rules for Girls Lacrosse should contact US Lacrosse Women's Division Rules Committee Chair Pat Dillon pdillon656@aol.com
